CDR is proprietary to CorelDRAW
CDR is the native file format of CorelDRAW. Its internal structure is closed, so the reliable way to create a CDR is to open or import your artwork in CorelDRAW and save it there.
Need a CDR from a AI? Here's why that isn't a direct conversion — and the editable formats that get you there.
You can't convert a AI to CDR — CDR is CorelDRAW's own format, and only CorelDRAW writes it.
CDR is the native file format of CorelDRAW. Its internal structure is closed, so the reliable way to create a CDR is to open or import your artwork in CorelDRAW and save it there.
Even after importing, a AI is pixels — not the editable shapes, text and layers a CDR is designed to hold. So a direct AI → CDR conversion wouldn't give you a truly editable document anyway.
AI is Adobe Illustrator’s native vector format for logos, icons and illustrations that scale to any size.
How to open AI files open in Adobe Illustrator and many vector editors.
Full AI format guideCDR is CorelDRAW’s native vector format for logos, layouts and print artwork — proprietary to Corel software.
How to open CDR opens in CorelDRAW; convert images to CDR to join a Corel workflow.
Full CDR format guide